“During the recent recession many families lost homes, jobs, and other resources,” said pediatrician Melissa Briggs, MD, lead author of the policy statement. “In this setting, it is key for pediatricians to recognize the impact of homelessness on children and families in their communities, and to consider ways that they can lessen this burden.”

According to the AAP, by partnering with community resources and making changes in their practice, pediatricians can help families establish a stable source of high-quality health care.

The AAP recommends that pediatricians should:

Facilitate the enrollment of eligible children in Medicaid

Become familiar with the management of chronic diseases in homeless populations

Optimize health visits to provide comprehensive, preventive care

Connect families to community resources

Identify the underlying causes of homelessness

Assist in the development of shelter-based care

The AAP also advocates for government policies that increase the access of families to housing, health care, child care and other resources.